Creating a test job

If you hire outside firms to do your work, be careful. You don’t know who they are or how they work until they have done something for you. Once they have been on board for a few months, then you will know their tricks if they have any. It is best to design a small job for them to do. Even if it is a job that doesn’t even need to be done, you should create something that you can use to evaluate the efficiency, skill, and communication skills of the company you hire.

I learned that I needed to test out five programming companies to find one that was acceptable to me. My standards are not even that high. It is just that most companies can’t or won’t get work done on time according to specifications — not even close. Some companies don’t even return calls. Others just take the job, and don’t do anything. A few companies cheat and try to overcharge you. Some companies have workers who don’t follow directions…

All I can say is that — It is a jungle out there… test people out. Stick your toe in before you get your leg bitten off in outsourcing!